Please do not call for a look up. Contact us by
Emailor by regular mail. We ask that you limit your request to no
more than FIVE obituaries. Allow up to
two weeks for a response. There is NO CHARGE for the email service.

Are you curious about the history of your home or a building
in Indian River County?

If you are interested, click on the link above and print the
guide on how to research. Then, plan a visit to the Archive Center.
There are many resources that you will find very interesting.

The
two story Main Library opened February 1st, 1991. A bequest to the
library by the Julian W. Lowenstein family in 1985 asked that the funds be
used to help construct a new library building. In return, the family asked
that a room or wing be named in the memory of Julian W. Lowenstein. The Florida
History and Genealogy Department, the terrace (now replaced by the reference
department) and the reading room were used
for that purpose. Additional funds were used for upgraded shelving, carpeting,
computers and cabinets in the genealogy department. The purchase of the entire
U.S. census (on microfilm) from 1790-1860 was also achieved at that time.

In
1998-99, the growth of the library was apparent in the annual statistics reported
to the state library. Our library was number one or two in the state of Florida
(per capita) in many categories such as attendance at adult programs
and new borrowers. The county commissioners approved funds for the expansion
of children's, reference and genealogy departments. When built in 1991,
the genealogy department had approximately 1000 square feet. In 2002, we
have approximately 4000 square feet, which includes the outside area where
the microforms and equipment are located. A new Florida and local history
room has been added.

In
April 2005, it became apparent after Hurricanes Jeanne and Francis that
many people felt the library would be the best place to donate their family
materials and documents. The Indian River County Historical Society made a
decision to move all their photographs (5000+) and documents (20+ boxes) to
our local history room. A decision was made at that time to name this area the
"Archive Center." In order to do that, we needed to
remove all wooden shelving and replace it with archival-safe metal shelves.
We had our first open house on October 15, 2005.

The
Indian River Genealogical Society, Inc.
was organized April 1983. From their earliest beginnings, IRGS helped
build the basic collection and continued their support through their annual
budget for the sole purpose of purchasing new books for the library. May 1997,
the society purchased a map file which holds many old and rare maps to help
genealogists with their research. The library and the society continue to work
cohesively through indexing projects, financial support and volunteers. We
have over 20 volunteers and they work a combined total of 30-50 hours a
week. [2005 (3080 hours); 2006 (4106 hours); 2007 (3888) ] Without their support, the department
would not be able to function smoothly. They provide services to the library
such as: processing materials, assisting patrons, shelving and keeping books in order, filing, updating
vertical files, staffing the department when staff is not available and
many other office needs.